NEWS

Lama Tsondru Sangpo, Tashi La, and Sangay Chopel Gyatso had a very successful journey back to India.  Their trip was very smooth and all arrived safely.

Jeff and Donna Lord have been keeping the Center For Dzogchen Studies up to date with the latest computer accessories.  They were so sweet to donate a new scanner to the Center.

Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche had a very successful trip out to California at the invitation of Victor and Tina Miller.  Rinpoche spent his time meeting with a new Sangha that has been working very diligently with Apprentice Victor Miller on the foundational principles of Buddhism.  Their strong intention to receive a meditation practice was met when Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche flew out for five days to meet and introduce a mediation practice to the new Sangha.  All practitioners were real troopers as they endured a full day retreat for the first time on June 14^th, Saga Dawa Day (Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment and Parinirvana).  We wish our new dharma brothers and sisters much success.

Thank you to Victor Miller for purchasing some new dharma texts Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche selected for the Center while in California.

Congratulations to Frank and Melissa Tropeano who are the proud parents of a little girl, Gabrielle Tropeano.  We wish the new family peace, health, and happiness and a little sleep too!

Rinpoche has been quite busy the last month sending Lama Tsondru Sangpo and family off to India but not before preparing all the appropriate documents to try to obtain Visas for the two eldest girls Pema Sodon and Sangay Dekie.  Please dedicate as many prayers and mantras as you can in the hopes that the family is successful in their efforts.

At the request of Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche, Paul Amendola took responsibility for leading a study group of 30 interested students using the text Buddhism for Beginners.  For the last month students have been exploring foundational principles of Buddhism as a requirement to receive a mediation practice from Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche.  The request for this teaching came for many months from student David LoPriore owner of the Bushidokai Martial Arts School.  On June 21^st, seventeen students dedicated the entire Saturday afternoon to receiving Practices That Lead To Shamatha.  Under Lama Padma Karma Rinpoche’s guidance, Paul will be responsible for leading a meditation group every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Martial Arts School.  We wish these new students much success in their new efforts.

Many thanks to Terry and Joe Azoti who not only purchased new climbing flowers for the backyard trellis but for planting them as well.  Thank you too for the tomato plants!

While Lama Tsondru Sangpo left before we had a chance to celebrate his birthday on June 14^th, we did have the opportunity to buy him a much-needed suitcase and raincoat.  Donations for this gift can still be made in the Center donation box, please indicate that the money should be designated for Lama Tsondru Sangpo’s birthday gift.

And speaking of birthdays, Sangay Chopel Gyatso seemed to ring in his 7^th year with a bang.  Lots of birthday goodies, balloons, chips and dip, cake, and of course Transformers, Legos, and gift certificates were enjoyed by this new young man.  We wish him a very happy and healthy year and a very long life.

With all this rain the garden is looking happier than ever.  All that growth can use a bit of grooming though.  If anyone has an interest, the garden can certainly use the attention.

Many thanks to Jack and Sharon for coordinating and hosting a lovely Bon Voyage party for Lama Tsondru Sangpo, Tashi La, and Sangay Chopel Gyatso.  It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all.

A big thanks to Sharon for making the book cabinets for our precious Dharma texts a reality.  Thank you also to Lou for donating his time and talents to make them.

It is coming!!  July 10^th the Center has made an appointment with the City of New Haven to pick up some major basement left over… the years.  So Sunday, July 6^th we will be in desperate need of all the hands and backs we can get to make the basement sweep a reality.  Please consider dedicating some time to this long overdue project.  Anyone with access to a utility van or pick up truck would be greatly appreciated on this day too.

Thank you to Isabelle Amendola who so generously donated a sofa bed to Lama Tsondru Sangpo and family.  Hopefully, it will get much use from the Bhutia girls when they arrive in America.

Congratulations to Peter Haller whose work of art is now a permanent sculpture on the Farmington Canal Trail, behind Duchess Diner.  This is located on Dixwell Avenue near Shepard Avenue and just north of Skiff Street.  Take a jog, bike ride, or casual walk over and see this new work of art.